by Renee Moore

Created on: April 17, 2008   Last Updated: May 01, 2008

It's so refreshing to hear stories about celebrities using their fame to influence the world for a good cause. A perfect example of someone doing this is renowned actor, Don Cheadle. Cheadle is helping to bring awareness about the war and genocide taking place in Africa. At the same time, he is making tremendous efforts to better the situation.

Don Cheadle was born November 29, 1964 in Kansas City, MO. Born to a clinical psychologist father and a bank manager mother who both supported him fully in his passion for the performing arts. Cheadle graduated from East High School in Denver, CO with scholarships from both acting and music schools. He chose to attend the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA to continue his pursuit in acting. After earning a BA in the fine arts he began auditioning for various roles. Cheadle eventually landed a role on the television series "Fame" (1982). However, it wasn't until "Devil in a Blue Dress" (1995) that he earned recognition by winning the best supporting actor award from the Los Angeles Critics. Cheadle has gone on to star in many other films since than including; "Reign Over Me" (2007), "Traffic" (2000) "Crash" (2004), and "Swordfish" (2001).

While Filming "Hotel Rwanda" (2004), a film about the Rwandan genocide of the early 1990's, Cheadle was inspired to get involved. Cheadle took a trip in 2005 to the Darfur region of Africa. He came back from his trip a changed man with a new mission. From that point on he couldn't go back to living his old life, he had to do something about what he had witnessed. Cheadle became an activist, raising awareness of the genocide taking place in Darfur. The genocide that has killed an estimated 200,000 people and has left another 2.2 million people displaced.

Cheadle has joined hands with "Ocean's Series" co-star, George Clooney along with others and co-founded the humanitarian organization, "Not on our Watch". So far, "Not on our Watch" has raised 9.3 million dollars for the citizens of Darfur. Cheadle and Clooney have also made trips to China and Egypt (two of Sudan's biggest traders) to discuss the crisis at hand, and what should be done about it. If this wasn't enough, Cheadle has lobbied California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign a divestment bill to stop the retirement funds of employees from being invested in Sudan. Recently, for all of his efforts in raising awareness, Cheadle received a peace award in Rome.

While there are many people who want to make a difference in the world, Don Cheadle is one that is actually making an impact. He is using his talents and gifts to help others in need. An honorable man, Don Cheadle is truly a "Person of Courage".

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